Pluripotency and chimera competence of an embryonic stem cell line from the sea perch (Lateolabrax japonicus)

A stable GFP-expressing (GFP(+)LJES1) cell strain was developed from the LJES1 cells obtained from sea perch (Lateolabrax japonicus,) embryos. GFP(+)LJES1 cells were induced in vitro by RA to differentiate into a variety of cell types and also had the ability to form embryoid body-like structures in suspension culture. To determine the differentiation potential of LJES1 cells in vivo, GFP(+)LJES1 cells were transplanted into sea perch and zebrafish embryos at mid-blastula stage. Twenty out of 478 transplanted sea perch embryos contained GFP-expressing LJES1 cells 24 h after microinjection. Fifteen chimera embryos developed into fry. In these chimeras, the GFP(+)LJES1 cells contributed to a variety of tissues including the head and trunk. In zebrafish, 221 embryos were microinjected with GFP(+)LJES1 cells and 22 chimera embryos and fries expressing GFP were obtained. Donor GFP(+)LJES1 cells contributed to various tissues in head and trunk of zebrafish embryos and hatched fry.